Gail Dial

On Friday, April 1, 2022, Gail Hassler Dial, loving wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at home after a long and brave battle with MS. She was 76 years old. Gail was born in Albany, KY in 1946 and grew up in Byrdstown, TN, where she graduated from Pickett County High School in 1963. She attended Tennessee Tech University and received her B.S. in Education and M.A. in Special Education and Teaching. Gail held several leadership positions at Pacesetters, where she began working in 1985, and made many positive changes and improvements to the organization during her time there. She was a strong, devoted advocate for the people served by Pacesetters and always had a deep love and appreciation for them. Gail retired from Pacesetters in 2013. On June 14, 1997, Gail and James Dial were married and then resided in Cookeville, Tennessee. Before Gail’s illness, she and James enjoyed vacations at Tybee Island, canoeing the Caney Fork, hiking, and entertaining friends at home, often with Gail’s delicious cooking. When her illness kept them home they still enjoyed their time together, watching movies, reading together, chatting and visiting with friends. Gail was a firm believer in all things art. From music to painting to sculpture, she appreciated hand-made beauty and the concepts and ideas that went into creating art in all forms. She supported many local artists in the Upper Cumberland, and was an artist herself who enjoyed bookmaking, throwing clay, journaling and writing poetry. She was also an avid reader and an extremely spiritual person, who was instrumental in establishing Unity Church of the Cumberland’s in Cookeville in 1993. Nothing made Gail happier than seeing or hearing her son Rob play guitar. She was in awe of his ability, so proud of him, and always his biggest cheerleader and supporter in all of his music writing, playing and aspirations. They were fortunate to share a very strong, supportive bond and Gail always encouraged Rob in every way. Gail remained young at heart, and had a child’s curiosity that never faded. She was interested in many things and didn’t just want to read about what intrigued her, she wanted to teach and share with those she loved. She had a deep appreciation for spiritual healing and healing concepts such as reiki and meditation. This was where she found peace; reading, learning and sharing the things she learned about the human mind, body and spirit. She was gifted beyond measure in so many ways. Although her illness kept her homebound, her courage and positive attitude made it easy to forget she was sick. Gail never complained and was grateful for every day she had with her husband James and her tightknit family and friend-family. She never wanted pity or for anyone to dwell on her illness, she wanted to focus on living and enjoying the people she loved. Gail loved playing games with her family and friends, loved her special book club nights, movies, reading, loved holidays and had a great sense of humor and a beautiful laugh. She was an animal lover and advocate. If you knew Gail, you loved her immediately. Above all, she always believed in love, in every way. Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd “Deep” L. Hassler and Avis (Dillon) Hassler, as well as her brother, Dr. Lloyd R. Hassler of Cookeville. Gail is survived by her husband of 25 years, James Dial; son and daughter-in-law, Rob Ring and Shannon Terry; brother and sister-in-law, Ernie Hassler and Janice Sells, all of Cookeville. Also, Gail’s special friend-family and caregivers; Rena Brooks, Flossy Jordan, Kelly Piepmeier, Marcia Riddle, Michelle Robbins, Joyce Sievers and Jenny Teeples. As well as countless others Gail considered family. There will be no formal service, but a Celebration of Life at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation at https://msfocus.org/ and A.A.R.F. (All About Rescue & Fixin’) Cookeville at https://aarf-tn.com/. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at hhhfunerals.com.